News for Restaurants in Orange County, CA May 2008 Archive

The opening of chef David Myers' Comme Ca at the Offices of South Coast Plaza, is being delayed until early 2009. Like the original Comme Ca in West Hollywood, the menu will feature brasserie dishes like the soupe a l'oignon gratinée, roasted beef marrow with oxtail jam, and steak frites, in addition to a raw bar, extensive cheese program, and hand-crafted cocktails. The restaurant will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Comme Ca, 695 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626, no phone available yet.

Superstar chef and restaurateur Charlie Palmer (Aureole NYC, Aureole Vegas, Métrazur, Charlie Palmer Steak DC, Charlie Palmer Steak Vegas, Dry Creek Kitchen) has opened an 11,000-square-foot restaurant in OC: Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale's South Coast Plaza. The chic modern décor brings a much-needed New York vibe to OC with its minimalism and cosmopolitan cool. In addition, the space holds a large private room, a bar-lounge and the downstairs Next Vintage Wine Shop. Palmer brought in chef Amar Santana, who has spent the last five years working in his flagship restaurant, New York's Aureole. Two Montage Resort & Spa protégées have also made the jump: pastry chef Maren Henderson and wine director Christopher Coon. Diners can purchase wines at retail from the tiny wine shop cellar and add on a $25 corkage fee at the table. The wine program here never ends---with door-to-door deliveries, sommelier classes, cellar consultations and weekly wine tastings on Tuesdays from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale's South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, CA 92626, 714-352-2525.

They're back! Tim and Liza Goodell, who have opened and closed several well-known restaurants in OC (Aubergine, Troquet, Red Pearl Kitchen), opened a new dining venture on May 8. Oddly named A Restaurant, this Goodell establishment is located in the former The Arches building and is being backed by McG (director of the Charlie's Angels movies and producer of The OC television series) and singer Mark McGrath (Sugar Ray). Liza Goodell and interior designer Betsy Van't Hoff say they are "keeping to tradition and paying homage to history" by maintaining the "old world flair" of what was once OC's oldest restaurant. The menu, which is executed by chef Vartan Abgaryan, is a collection of Abgaryan's "signature" entrées, along with Tim Goodell's "progressive approach to fine dining." Some of the menu items include Prime steaks, an abalone club sandwich and beef Stroganoff with egg noodles. As for wines, the Goodells have created a list of "100 wines for under $100." A Restaurant, 3334 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, CA 92663, 949-650-6505.

News
Bytes

Jimmy Hopper Back on the Island Fans of talented musician Jimmy Hopper are happy that the crooner has returned so soon to The Island Hotel Newport Beach's Palm Terrace Lounge. Now is a good time to check out the free show and special prices. Come in Tuesdays for burgers and beer, Wednesdays for pizza and Pinot and Thursdays for tacos and tequila. Palm Terrace Lounge, The Island Hotel Newport Beach, 690 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660, 949-759-0808.

Chef
Shuffle

Gianluca Re Fraschini has joined The Resort at Pelican Hill as chef of Andrea, which will be the seaside resort's signature dining venue. A native of Cuggiono, near Milan, he trained with several of Italy's most renowned chefs and apprenticed at Le Gavroche in London. In addition, Re Fraschini owned and served as executive chef at a traditional Italian eatery in Lake Garda, and also served as chef at restaurants in Spain, Luxembourg and Israel. The restaurant Andrea will offer a menu with strong Northern Italian and Tuscan influences and authentic touches. The Resort at Pelican Hill and Andrea are scheduled to open in late fall 2008.